Winter Touch Tackle league gets going this weekend

The Lt. Chuck Margiotta Winter Touch Tackle League kicks off its 14th season tomorrow, bigger and better than ever.

“This started with just four teams,” said SITTL President Charlie Margiotta, who heads the league in memory of his son Chuck Margiotta, who lost his life on 9/11 trying to save others. “It started out with guys just looking to have some fun and get some exercise in the winter months.”

“But, it’s grown by leaps and bounds,” he continued. “We have 25 teams this year in three separate divisions. That’s the most we ever had.”

And as far playing just for fun?

“Not any more,” said Margiotta. “Don’t get me wrong, guys are still out there to have fun and compete, but its just as competitive as the fall league.”

The league is broken up into three the divisions, the American, National and Atlantic.

The American will feature two clubs full of East caliber players, Dannyboy’s and Big Nose Kate's.

They’ll be joined by the top three finishers from the North division, the Beer Garden, Killmeyer’s and the Clan, and South division regular season and playoff winner Red, White & Blue Roofing.

The National division will consist of teams with SITTL experience, Central division triple crown winner KJ’s Ale House the early favorite, at least on paper.

And the National division will be made up of 11 teams, mostly newcomers, a good sign for the fall season.

“It’s a good way for teams to get some experience for the fall season,” said Margiotta. “They can get and we can get a feel of what division they will be able to compete in come the fall.”

“Hopefully we put everyone in the right divisions, so all the games will be close every week,” he continued. “It’s worked out every year, so I’m not expecting anything different this year.”